Thursday, May 30, 2013

Ergo vs. Boba vs. Tula carrier comparison

I used to think I knew a thing or two about baby wearing... that was, until I moved to the Bay Area!

About a month after I moved to town, I decided to go to a PAXbaby Playdate, in hopes of meeting some other like-minded moms. It was tons of fun and I met lots of sweet babywearing mamas... and realized that I really know nothing about baby wearing!

Natibaby, KoKaDi, or Oscha wrap?

I was clueless! (I bet there are a couple of ladies in that photo who could not only tell you the maker of each of the wraps above, they could tell you the name of the design too!!)

I had heard of Girasol woven wraps and learned a fun fact about them from someone at the playdate... Girasol makes a XELA wrap! (For any readers who don't know, Xela is my name!)

But I digress... one of the most important things I discovered at the PAXbaby Playdate was the wonderful world of Tula carriers!

Tula carriers come in some of the coolest, funkiest, and most beautiful prints I've ever seen.

They also specialize in Wrap Conversion Carriers (something I had never heard of before the PAXbaby playdate) which are made partially or entirely from a woven wrap. Apparently the woven ones are super soft and comfy, but I don't know that I could ever bring myself to pay over $200 for ANY baby carrier!

I think the best thing about Tulas though is that they come in standard or toddler size!

A year ago, I'm not sure I would have been excited about a carrier that came in two sizes... it's kind of like the cloth diapering conundrum of whether "one-size" diapers really fit ANY size very well. But now I'm definitely a fan of sized diapers and baby carriers!

Here's a quick comparison of the dimensions of the Ergo Original, Boba 3G, the standard and the toddler Tula carriers:

Standard Ergo

Boba 3G

Standard Tula

Toddler Tula

Back panel height

13"

16"

15.5"

18"

Seat width

14"

13" (17.5" at widest point)

14.5"

19"

Shoulder strap length/ length of padding

41"/ 21"

40" /17"

?

44"/ 17" - 20"

Waist belt length/ length of padding

25" - 43" (51" w/extender)/ 23.5"

25" - 58"/ 25" padded

?

29" - 56"/ 30"

(Please note that these are estimations. The manufactures don't disclose most of this information, so most of the measurements were taken by me with a soft measuring tape. Special thanks to my friend Whit for getting the measurements on the Boba, since I don't have one anymore! And I don't have a standard Tula, so if anyone does and could send me the info I'm missing, I'd really appreciate it! :o)
The first thing you'll notice is the height difference between the three carriers.

The Tula carriers fit about 3 to 5 inches higher than the Ergo (depending on the model), and that makes a huge difference in the comfort and security of the carrier! Emi has always been a wiggly little worm and it really put a lot of strain on my back and shoulders when she would lean away from my body. The Tula keeps her close and comfy.

Next, you'll notice the difference in the seat width. A nice, wide seat is important for helping to prevent "dead-leg" for the baby/toddler and also for proper weight distribution for the wearer. Ideally, the seat of the carrier should touch from knee to knee on the baby and the baby's bottom should sit lower than the knees (making a nice "M" shape).

The seat of the Boba is the narrowest, followed closely by the Ergo. The standard Tula is only a half inch wider than the Ergo, but the toddler Tula is 5 inches wider than the Ergo and 6 inches wider than the Boba!

A cool feature of Tula standard carriers is that they sell a "Room to Grow" extension which widens the seat base and converts the standard carrier to a toddler size. (Don't ask me how it works though... I haven't seen one in person and there aren't a lot of details on the website.)

Another difference in the carriers is the length of the shoulder strap and the amount of padding.

Tula straps have the thickest padding, but the padding is longest on the Ergo (an inch longer than the Tula, and 4 inches longer than the Boba!). One of the most uncomfortable things I found with the Boba was how little padding there was on the straps, and a common complaint I've heard/read is that it rubs against the back of your arms when front-carrying a child.

Notice how the padding stops mid-back on the Boba, but comes all the way down
and around with the Tula and the Ergo

Another cool feature of the Tula is that it has an adjustment where the panel meets the straps that allows you to bring your baby closer or let the baby sit back from you (which is why the "length of padding" measurement is 17" - 20".) It's really handy when nursing in the carrier!!

I would say the only drawback to the Tula is that it might not fit well around the waist if you're super petite (smaller than probably a size 24/25.) The smallest the waist belt goes on the Tula is 29 inches, compared to 25 inches with the Ergo or Boba, but I think the measurements are a little misleading. I have a friend who felt the Ergo was too big for her petite frame and she loves the Tula. Also, just to give a little perspective, I typically wear a size 26/27 jean and as you can see in the photo below, I don't wear it cinched down to its smallest size.

Personally, I like the fact that the padded area is longer on the waist belt, because I find it more supportive... and it helps to hide my love handles :o)

So right now the Tula is about the only carrier I ever use. Occasionally I use my Maya sling carrier, if I just need to make it from the car to a store without Emi running away, and once in a blue moon I'll pull out a wrap. But there was a time that I thought I didn't need anything other than a baby wrap!

Tula has a great philosophy that I whole-heartedly agree with:

We love babywearing and all it has to offer. It's practical for the parent, it has amazing benefits for the baby and it feels so good to have your baby snuggled in close!

We do not support criticism and looking down at parents for the type of a wrap or carrier they chose to use. We believe that every parent tries to make the best decision for his baby.

Over the past four and half years of wearing my girls, I've discovered there really is no "best" carrier. Certain carriers are better for certain body shapes. Each type of carrier has it's pros and cons, and work best at different ages and stages. I highly recommend trying out different carriers before making a purchase.

If you're lucky enough to have a chapter of Baby Wearing International in your area, the leaders are a great resource for showing you how to properly use different types of carrier and they typically have a large "library" of carriers to loan/rent out.

If not, contact PAXbaby.com. One of their babywearing experts can give you a "personalized carrier prescription!" Then you can rent a carrier for as little as $30, and as an added bonus, they'll give you a coupon for $10 off your next carrier purchase!

And if you happen to be in the market for an Ergo, I have a very gently used, super cute Galaxy Grey for sale. I used it for just a few months before buying my Tula. (I even have the original box and owner's manual!) Update: The Ergo has found a new home :)

Ergo Galaxy Grey Carrier - $70 plus shipping

I'd love to hear from some readers... what's your favorite carrier and why?

67 comments:

I've been drooling over Tula's for some time now... but after this read I've gotta get me one! Yum! I've been using my RS more than my Ergo because DS will push away in the Ergo... looks like a Tula will solve that problem.

Great blog post!Of all of the soft structured carriers I have tried Tula is my favorite by far! I purchased a standard when my youngest daughter was 6 months old and used that until we upgraded to a toddler Tula. The fit is perfect for us! The only downside is trying to choose the print you love the most! If only I could have a closet full of Tulas!

This is a great comparison! I had an Ergo, loved it while she was little, but then when she got bigger it was more uncomfortable for me. I switched to a Boba and LOVED it. Now that she's 19 months I don't use it as much. I never knew about Tula but if I have another little I most surely will buy that one! I'm bookmarking this post and will share it with friends. :) Thanks!

I'm a huge fan of the Beco Gemini, but I've been very curious about a Tula. They just seem to have such a rabid fanbase that they must be amazing. I'm hoping to try one at a local sling clinic to see if it works for baby and me! So excited after reading your review!

The Tula looks a lot like the Kinderpack. I got a Kinderpack in the toddler size, since I could find them on the swaps. People aren't yet selling a lot of Tula's. I would say I can't live without a carrier, but which is hard. I have a size 6 wrap, and the KP, but it would be very difficult to say which one is better. Wrap for its endless possibilities, and the KP for its ease of use, which is a must with cranky toddlers. :)

Hi from Poland!Really interesting comparison. With my both kids I do the same: I use wrap for younger baby (I love cuddle-feeling of wrap - i have two: Natibaby and LennyLamb), but later on I switch to ergo, because of ease of use and quick car-shop-kindergarden switches :) I use Bondolino and I love it. Tried Manduca and Marsupi before purchase, now I would have tried Tula too :)br

I've heard wonderful things about Manducas, but as far as I know, they're not available in the US :( I've also heard great things about the Kinderpack... I believe they make the largest carrier on the market. Maybe I need to go to the next east bay babywearing meeting and see if I can try out a Kinderpack and/or Manduca. If anyone has dimensions they'd like to send me for those carriers, I'd be happy to add them to my spreadsheet :)

Baby-Carrier-Palooza!! It can make my head spin! Thanks for breaking it all down for me. I was mostly curious about the boba baby carrier vs ergo. I didn't realize there were so many out there! Thanks for this post!

These are great diapers. They stay in place, are very absorbent, and do not permit leaks. These are our favorite out of all diapers. They fit so much better and don't leak nearly as often.. haven't leaked yet actually unless you need a bigger size. Good indicator! honest diaper reviews

Just found your blog, reading about Tums carrier. My daughter is deciding between a Tula and Gemini. Thank you for your information regarding the Tulas. May I ask if you have sold your Tula as of yet. Thank you for your time.

Laura, that would be great and I'm honored. I actually just did a google search to answer vespagirl's question about the Onya and found your awesome comparison chart, so I was going to link her to your post :)

vespagirl_1, I wish I knew more about the Onya, but I've never had a chance to try one. Laura's post above has some great info though on the Onya and several other carriers. Good luck in deciding on a carrier :)

I have an ergo that I bought off of babysteals.com for $70. I would gladly sale it to someone in need for $40 (they pay shipping). I am in the Southern states. Please let me know.This is my "anonymous" email (since I am posting on your blog), forsale.byme@yahoo.com

A frantic Mummy's wave from Brunei. I found your blog whilst doing a search on a boba vs ergo review. You have a very well detailed review of the carriers and a new name I have never heard of which puts me back on a search mode for baby carriers ^_^ Tula sounds so good to have but unfortunately it is not available over here. Reading your blog I have decided to go for an Ergo as I'd like to have a comfy wear while carrying my 2 year old daughter.

I've been trying to compare carriers online (no local places to try-out) and I'm loving your review! I've been torn between the Tula and the Boba. Looks like momma's getting a Tula! Or I should say, at least Tula is the first on my list to 'rent' from Jillian's Drawers to be able to test ;-)

Hi Brooke! Congratulations on your adoption! I would definitely go with a toddler size Tula for a 25 lb 2.5 yr old.

I had a friend who adopted a 2 yr old from Africa and she said wearing her frequently really helped with the bonding process and helped her little girl adjust to her new surroundings. Good luck with everything :)

Great blog! Thank you for sharing all this wonderful info! My son is growing very quickly he is 5months and 19lbs, we have a Ergo but it is not as comfortable as with my first son who was much smaller. Would you think that a standard or toddler tula is ideal? Thank you in advance! <3

Alley, yes! I breastfed my daughter all the time in the Tula and it was my favorite for that because all I had to do was loosen the strap adjustment on the front of the carrier to drop her down a bit. Much easier than having to reach back and loosen the length of the shoulder straps :)

And Shelley, I would probably recommend buying the Toddler Tula, especially if you already have an Ergo, because the standard Tula isn't much bigger than the Ergo. Depending on your baby's height, you may need to use the Ergo for another month or two... just make sure that he can comfortably bend his legs when he's sitting in it. (If the seat is hitting him mid-calf and he's doing the chinese splits in it, he's too small for it ;o)

I have a 16 lb 6 month old. I'm 5'3" and 170 lb. I'm debating between an Ergo and a Tula. Is one of them more easy/simple to use? What would you recommend? I think she's too small for the toddler Tula. I currently use a size 6 woven wrap.

Sorry for the delayed reply Tabitha... we went camping in Yosemite! Anyway, I would say the Ergo and Tula are pretty much the same in terms of ease of use. Most babies can comfortably fit in an Ergo by 6 months old, and she could probably fit in a standard Tula. I would probably go for the Tula over the Ergo because I really like the extra-long, padded waist strap. I feel it's much more comfortable than the Ergo.

Good luck choosing a carrier! Remember you can rent carriers thru PAXbaby.com, if you don't have a local babywearing chapter that you can borrow from. Here's a link to the PAXbaby rentals: http://shop.paxbaby.com/sling-exchange/ (P.S. I don't work for them and get nothing for the referral... I just think their sling exchange is wonderful, and so is the owner!)

I'm seriously wanting a Tula. We are adopting and so all extra money goes towards that right now, but when our baby comes... I'm hoping!

The first time I saw a Tula it was on a shorter/petite woman and I immediately asked the brand since I have tried so many with little success in comfort (I am under 5'). That's when I stored away the name Tula.

I just want to say....what a WONDERFUL post. I've just had my 3rd baby, and I am new to baby wearing. I've borrowed my friend's ergo for the day.....loved it, but found it wasn't quite right for my daughter...she is 10 months and pretty tall. Have another baby wearing friend who lent me her boba (I don't know which model). The Boba hurt the back of my arms when carrying my squirmy baby. I've never used/tried a Tula, but I think that's where I need to go with my baby wearing adventure :) Thanks!!!

Great review of the carriers I am interested in.Would love your advice on helping with my decision!I have a toddler Tula for my 2y old and love it but I am pregnant and looking for a carrier to start me with a newborn until I can use the toddler Tula again.Which one, in your opinion (price aside) is a better carrier for this situation- the Boba 4G that comes with the infant insert or the Tula standard with the insert that I would purchase?Thanks!

I have to be completely honest... I haven't worn a newborn in the Boba 4G or the Tula standard. (Wraps are my favorite for newborns :) I do like the cool feature of the Boba that turns it into an infant carrier without the insert, but unless they've fixed the issue with the chest clip sliding up and the pad on the straps being so short, I would think you would be more comfortable in the Tula. You could always buy the Boba on amazon and return it if you don't like it, or you could rent both carriers from PAXbaby :) Good luck and happy babywearing!

I have a very small almost four year old (28lbs) would it be wise to buy a new one one or a waste of money considering age. He loves being carried but hasnt been in a carrier for a few months due to loosing my ergo. But when he was in it he liked it except it hurt his nuts sometimes. Your advice would be appreciated.

Hi Jamie! I would think buying a toddler Tula for your little guy would be worth it. I have a 30 lb 3 yr old who still uses it at least a couple times a month. (She tends to fall asleep if we ever drive anywhere in the afternoon and I love that I can just pop her in the Tula and let her finish her nap :)

The nice wide seat of the Tula should keep him from hurting his crotch at all.

Yeah, you would probably be pushing it with a 5 year old, even in a toddler Tula. The biggest carrier on the market (that I know of) is the Kinderpack Preschool carrier. It has a 20" seat and 20" high back, and the max weight is 50 lbs. Hope that helps!

No, I wouldn't say the Tula is any easier than the Ergo for getting the baby positioned on your back. That's one of those things that just takes a lot of practice. There are lots of videos on youtube that show different techniques.

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Sorry for the delayed response Jessica, I would say go for the toddler carrier because if she's tall her legs will probably be long enough to span the width of the seat. Let us know which one you go with and how you like it!

Hi there, love your blog! I am trying to decide between Ergo and Tula and have been doing lots of research! When my baby no longer wanted to be wrapped I use a friend's Infantino and honestly loved how thin the shoulder straps were. I don't know, I just really liked the overall feel of the simple Infantino. But we just outgrew the size of it at 10 months. I am trying a friends Ergo at the moment and seriously think I'd rather have a Tula but have never tried one. I really love the look an idea of a Tula. Here is my concern though, it looks like the shoulder strap are very thick on the Tula and also you mentioned the waistband being longer than on the Ergo. Am I correct in that thinking? I am 5'6" and about 120lbs. Breastfeeding and my high metabolism keep me small except when pregnant! Would the Tula have too much extra waistband for me? And exactly how thick do the shoulder strap feel? Do you think a person my size would feel they are too bulky? Thanks so much for your help!

Hi Lesa! If you don't like the feel of a lot of padding, you'd probably like the Ergo better than the Tula.

Another carrier I've been curious to try, but haven't had the chance yet, is the new Boba air. It looks super cool because it's made of super lightweight nylon, and folds up into a tiny little pouch. It doesn't look like it has any padding, and it's been getting great reviews, so maybe it would be a good option for you. You can order it from Target.com (it'll ship for free) and if you don't like it you can just return it at any Target for free :) Please let me know how you like it if you do end up trying it.

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Hi. I was using your site to do a comparison and then I stumbled upon a site about fake Ergos aka the "Fergo." Do you know if your Ergo is authentic? Because it may not be and therefore it will affect this review. The straps are probably supposed to be thicker than that. The trapezoid stitching inside may be a sign of a counterfeit carrier as well.

Ні! Thanks for the comparison. Personally I prefer Tula - I love its design and it`s a perfect desicion for us. I would like to advise you trying best pack n play. I really loved their products, which combine a lot of useful things in a single model and, in addition, they are so cozy :)